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Pregnancy and delivery after laparoscopic mesh repair for postpartum diastasis recti abdominis: A case report
Shota Eguchi1, Yoshio Nagahisa, Kenji Yamaguchi
1Department of General Surgery, Kurashiki Central Hospital, Kurashiki City, Japan.
Rationale:
Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) refers to the separation of the 2 rectus abdominis muscles along the linea alba. It is a common condition during pregnancy and the puerperium that can cause musculoskeletal pain, urogynecologic symptoms, and body image concerns. However, surgery for this condition is controversial and there is no consensus on the indications for surgery. This case report aims to document a successful pregnancy and vaginal delivery following laparoscopic mesh repair, highlighting the potential safety and functional implications of surgical intervention in reproductive-age women.
Patient Concerns:
A 29-year-old woman who had given birth vaginally 2 weeks before presented with bulging of the abdominal wall.
Diagnoses:
The patient was diagnosed with DRA.
Interventions:
A laparoscopic mesh repair was planned. The patient was informed preoperatively of the potential surgical risks associated with pregnancy and childbirth after the repair, including recurrence of the condition and restricted fetal growth. Polypropylene mesh (Ventralight Sepra Technology) was placed in the retroperitoneal space.
Outcomes:
Three years after the repair, the patient conceived naturally. Her pregnancy progressed without complications and she gave birth vaginally.
Lessons:
Placement of a mesh in the retroperitoneal space not only provides a good therapeutic outcome but may also allow pregnancy.
